Mercedes Benz 190 SL W121 (1961)

Kickdown Check

• On-site kickdown assessment completed
  • 169 photos
• Documented investments: 24,999.99 DM (12/2000) and 10,896.75 € (12/2024). The body has already been fully restored by Mercedes
• Classic-Data appraisal from January 2025 with a grade of 3+ is available
• Passed the HU in September 2026 with no defects; valid through 09/2028

Facts & Specifications

• Year of manufacture: 1961
• First registration: Germany, March 2, 1961
• Engine: 1.9-liter inline-four (1,884 cm³) with 105 PS (77 kW)
• Transmission: Four-speed manual transmission
• Exterior color: Graphite Gray DB190 (original color)
• Interior: Red leather
• TÜV valid through September 2028, H license plate
• Features:
  • Original Becker Mexico radio
  • Clock
  • Black fabric convertible top
  • Steel rims with chrome hubcaps
  • Michelin ZX 6.40/7.00 R13 tires (12/2024)
  • Spare tire

Condition

Exterior

• The exterior color is the original Graphite Gray (DB190)
• The body was extensively repaired in 2000 at the DaimlerChrysler AG branch in Bielefeld, including new front paneling, a new front cross member, a new rear floor, and underbody protection
• As part of the restoration work, the car was completely repainted
• The body is in very well-maintained condition with only slight patina
• Shortly before the photos were taken, a dent appeared on the rear left fender (Photos 54 and 55). This is already factored into the minimum price
• In December 2024, the outer and inner shells of the longitudinal member at the right side door sill were repaired

Interior

• Interior in red leather
• The interior is in good condition with age-related signs of wear
• The driver’s and front passenger seats were refurbished in 12/2024, preserving their patina

Mechanics

• The vehicle is registered
• The engine runs flawlessly. It is unknown whether this is the original engine
• The carburetors were removed, cleaned, and adjusted in December 2024; the intake system gaskets were replaced
• The transmission also shifts flawlessly
• There are no known technical defects
• Last maintenance: 12/2024

History

Ownership History

• Between 1978 and 2000, several de-registrations and re-registrations were recorded in the vehicle registration certificate
• 03/1985: Transfer of ownership to a holder in Bielefeld
• 06/1978: Replacement vehicle registration certificate issued in Solingen; the original certificate was lost
• 03/1961: First registration in Germany
• The total number of owners is unknown
• Odometer readings (five digits): 18,667 km (07/2024, repair shop invoice), 18,782 km (09/2026, vehicle inspection report), currently approx. 18,830 km

Service History

• 09/2026 at 18,782 km: General inspection with no defects, DEKRA
• 12/2024 at 18,667 km: Maintenance service including oil change, spark plugs, valve clearance adjustment, and transmission fluid change; lubrication service; carburetor overhauled; intake system sealed; brake fluid replaced; four new tires; right-side door sill repaired; seats refurbished; general inspection, Heinrich Göbel GmbH (authorized Mercedes-Benz service center and Mercedes-Benz Classic Partner), Neu-Isenburg, invoice total €10,896.75
• 12/2000: Comprehensive bodywork repair, windshield installed, window regulators replaced, bumpers overhauled, electrical system repaired, TÜV inspection, DaimlerChrysler AG Bielefeld branch, invoice amount 24,999.99 DM

Documents

• Vehicle registration certificate (replacement certificate from 1978)
• Vehicle Registration Certificate
• DEKRA inspection report from 09/2026
• Workshop invoice from Heinrich Göbel GmbH dated 12/2024
• Repair invoice from DaimlerChrysler AG, Bielefeld branch, dated 12/2000
• Classic Data appraisal from January 2025 with a grade of 3+

Summary

For sale is a 1961 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL (W121) with initial registration in Germany, an “H” license plate, and a vehicle inspection (HU) valid through September 2028. The body was extensively restored in 2000 at the DaimlerChrysler branch in Bielefeld; the vehicle has been completely repainted. In December 2024, 10,896.75 euros were spent at a Mercedes-Benz dealership on maintenance, the carburetor, brake fluid, new tires, the right-side longitudinal member, and seat restoration. The body and red leather interior are in well-maintained condition with age-related signs of wear. There is no service record book; the vehicle registration certificate is a replacement issued in 1978, and the mileage history is only partially verifiable. The 190 SL is ideal for buyers seeking a roadster with documented maintenance history and signs of use.